Exercise has always been a way for me to feel as strong and balanced as I can, physically as well as mentally.

Sport was everything to me as a child. I idolised the Belarusian gymnast Olga Korbut, and this obsession led me to compete at gymnastics until I was 17. I eagerly threw myself into every sport at school and had the honour of competing at national level with athletics.

My venture into the world of work initially took me down a non-fitness path, but sport continued to fill every spare waking hour. I enjoyed the challenge and rush of competitions and took part in TV series like BodyHeat alongside Sally Gunnell and Jeremy Guscott. I also got involved in tv commercials for companies such as Barclays Bank and Fitness Magazine photo shoots.

Eventually recognising my true passion, I decided to transition into the health and fitness space full time and 33 years ago qualified as a fitness instructor and later a Master Trainer for the Barre Concept Method (I train other trainers) - something I still do internationally today.

Being active is crucial for balance across the four pillars of our Mind, Body, Spirit and Emotion. I see my role as one of motivation and inspiration to help others gain an equilibrium across these, specifically working with people in their prime and older stages of life.

As we age we need to adapt our activities to maintain happy, functional bodies. Priorities change, it is about what feels good and crucially having the capacity to feel your best every single day.

Rebecca